Side notes:I think Orlando has the best chance of upseting anyone in the NBA's "final four". Orlando is 6-3 against the Cavs, Lakers and Celtics. Orlando won 2-0 in the series vs. L.A. which Cleveland couldn't even do. They tied the series with Boston at 2-2 which means they were 2-1 against the NBA's top record team (Cleveland). Orlando can surprise some people and no team should take them likely.

I sure didn't count on the Magic SMOKING the Celtics last night...although in retrospect, I'm not sure why I didn't think they had a chance. KG is still not playing, yes? Plus, HEDO. There are Kings ALL OVER this round! (Must make amends to Hawks fans and find Bibby picture for daily banner)

I think the Magic have the advantage of KG out and Dwight Howard in. However, the one bad thing about the Magic is they have a bunch of shooters which obviously means your team is going to score. But they have less penetrators compared to the Celtics which may disrupt the Magic defense somewhat.

I don't think this is appropriate since the semifinals aren't over yet!

In that case.........

The Cavs will be too much for the Hawks to handle as it as shown in the first 2 games (though I thought the Hawks would put up a better fight because they are a pretty good team talent-wise).

The Magic I predict will go past the Celtics to face the Cavs in what should be a pretty good Easter Conference Finals matchup. The absence of KG allows Dwight Howard to have the advantage in the low post which may be a deciding factor in the series.

The Lakers will and should go past the the Rockets not just because it's Kobe, but the Lakers have a better all-around supporting cast.

Denver is looking better and better with every game as it shows with a current 2-0 series lead. The athleticism of Denver and overall scoring abilities is a tough match which is why they probably have the best chance against the Lakers in the rugged Western Conference. If and probably that series does happen, I can see it going 7 games. But I guess we'll have to wait for the semi's to get over with first. I just jumped ahead and indirectly posted my predictions for the semi's which was my bad.

While watching the Lakers lose is generally entertaining, the Game 4 loss is even more so for far different reasons. I absolutely, positively LOVE the Lakers in Game 5, and my flight lands in the desert a few hours before that game begins.

Well, that was embarrassing. Not completely unexpected, but embarrassing nonetheless. Looks like Flip Murray and Josh Smith were the only ones who showed up for the series. Oh well. Next year, here we come!

Well, that was embarrassing. Not completely unexpected, but embarrassing nonetheless. Looks like Flip Murray and Josh Smith were the only ones who showed up for the series. Oh well. Next year, here we come!

- StingArmy

Hey, at least Atlanta fans showed up to root their team on, unlike a certain team up north. Meanwhile, we get to wait another week for the Cavs' next game. I hope they practice free-throws every day, all week long after last night. That was atrocious.

I'm still shocked at how the Lakers & Rockets series is tied. I'm also hoping the Magic/Celtics goes 7.

"As you may have read in Robert Parker's Wine Newsletter, 'Donaghy Estates tastes like the urine of Satan, after a hefty portion of asparagus.'" Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock

So after watching the Magic collapse from a 12 or 13 pt. lead last night and Dwight Howard calling out Stan Van Gundy, is it safe to asume that Stan's job is on the line if they get eliminated? His stock seems to be plummeting this year, even among those in his team.

Originally posted by supersalvadoranSo after watching the Magic collapse from a 12 or 13 pt. lead last night and Dwight Howard calling out Stan Van Gundy, is it safe to asume that Stan's job is on the line if they get eliminated?

When even the average fan realizes that Dwight should be getting more touches per game, it is a safe assumption.

Originally posted by supersalvadoranSo after watching the Magic collapse from a 12 or 13 pt. lead last night and Dwight Howard calling out Stan Van Gundy, is it safe to asume that Stan's job is on the line if they get eliminated?

When even the average fan realizes that Dwight should be getting more touches per game, it is a safe assumption.

Howard gets most of his points from dunks on the fast break or dunks on offensive rebounds and putbacks. If a team is getting the defensive rebounds or playing decent transition defense, it limits the amount of points he can get, as he has trouble putting the ball in the hoop if he's more than 6-7 feet from the basket.

"John McCain ran for president in 2000. Why couldn't we have elected him then? When he was sane." - Lewis Black